Director of Government and Public Affairs

Join our team as the Director of Government and Public Affairs!

Santa Margarita Water District is seeking a strategic and collaborative Director of Government and Public Affairs to lead the District’s legislative advocacy, grants strategy, public affairs, and communications divisions. This senior leadership role shapes how the District engages with public and private partner agencies, funding entities, elected officials and the general public, while advancing policy priorities and securing external resources that support SMWD’s mission and long-term goals.

The Director of Government and Public Affairs provides executive-level leadership over the District’s advocacy efforts, serving as a trusted advisor to the District's executive team. This role reports to the Deputy General Manager and oversees legislative and regulatory affairs, community engagement, communications and the District’s grants program. The position works with a high level of independence and judgment and is ideal for a seasoned professional who enjoys influencing policy, building relationships, and leading multidisciplinary teams in a public sector environment.

Santa Margarita Water District is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange County. As one of the region’s largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters the sense of fun, comradery, and a rewarding sense of purpose as we do work that matters.

Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve SMWD’s goals and solve challenges with a common aim that fosters a unique bond that is not often found in governmental agencies. The District employs approximately 320 employees and operates with one represented bargaining unit.

• Exemplary service excellence
• Intelligent innovation that is forward-thinking and adaptive
• Ethical fiscal responsibility and transparency
• Environmental and resource stewardship
• Employee development and leadership training
• Building relationships that strengthen communities

• Lead and implement the District’s legislative policy strategy, advocacy and government relations.
• Manage the District’s legislative and regulatory affairs program, including analyzing legislation and advocating for District positions at the local, regional, state, and federal levels.
• Direct the District’s grants strategy, including identifying funding opportunities, coordinating grant applications, monitoring compliance, and maximizing external funding.
• Oversee the communications division, including media relations, branding, public outreach, and digital communications efforts.
• Serve as the District’s liaison with elected officials, public agencies, community organizations, and funding partners.
• Supervise and develop Communications staff, the Legislative Analyst, and the Grants Analyst.
• Prepare and present information to executive leadership and the Board of Directors related to external affairs, advocacy, and grants.
• Represent SMWD at regional, state, and national meetings, associations, and forums.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, including the Brown Act and Public Records Act.

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills with the ability to manage complex, high-visibility programs.
• Experience navigating public sector communications, legislative processes, and intergovernmental relations.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with elected officials, stakeholders, and community partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public presentations and media interaction.
• Experience overseeing grants, funding programs, and compliance requirements.
• A collaborative leadership style with experience developing and mentoring professional staff.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public relations, public administration, political science, business administration, communications or a related field.
• A master’s degree in a related discipline is highly desirable.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in public affairs, strategic communications, government relations, or a related field, including at least five (5) years in a management or leadership capacity.
• Experience in a public agency or utility environment is preferred.